Luanda: The opening of two new Consulates General of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in Angola, specifically in the cities of Cabinda and M'banza Congo, was a focal point of a meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, T©te Ant³nio, and the DRC ambassador, Constantin Kalala, held in Luanda.
According to Angola Press News Agency, this initiative seeks to enhance diplomatic relations, improve consular services, and bolster trade and cultural exchanges between the two nations. Discussions also covered bilateral cooperation in areas such as border security, cross-border trade, transport, and energy.
Minister T©te Ant³nio reaffirmed Angola's commitment to strengthening its relationship with the DRC, emphasizing principles of good neighbourliness, solidarity, and regional integration. Ambassador Constantin Kalala expressed a desire to deepen political and economic coordination, acknowledging Angola's significant role in stabilizing the eastern region of the DRC.
The relationship between Angola and the DRC is steeped in a history of cooperation and shared geopolitical interests, despite challenges. Diplomatic ties were formally established post-independence-DRC in 1960 and Angola in 1975-though cultural and ethnic connections date back centuries due to geographical proximity.
Following Angola's independence from Portugal in 1975, diplomatic relations with the DRC, then Zaire, were formalized. The relationship between the two has been complex, shaped by internal and regional factors. Sharing a border exceeding 2,500 km, both countries face security and border control challenges. In September 2020, they signed agreements to address cross-border crimes such as illegal immigration, smuggling, and human trafficking, forming a Permanent Joint Commission on Defense and Security for border patrols.
Economic cooperation is another key aspect of their relationship. In July 2023, an agreement was signed for the joint exploration of hydrocarbons in the Maritime Zone of Common Interest (ZIC).
This protocol aims to benefit both countries equally in oil production and strengthens economic ties between nations.